By Dominic Chopping
Mercedes-Benz car sales fell 9% to 1.8 million vehicles in 2025 amid a challenging global market, as the U.S. and China both registered a hefty drop in sales.
Car sales in its largest market of China fell 19% in 2025. The company said that in a competitive market environment in China, it continues to focus on providing long-term value and superior product and tech experiences.
In the U.S., sales dropped 12% as the company carefully managed its stock amid trade disruptions.
"Overall, sales were influenced by tariffs and the competitive market environment," it said.
Sales fell 1% in Europe.
However, the German luxury automaker said Monday that the fourth quarter was its strongest period of the year as customer demand increased, with sequential growth in all of its markets.
Fourth quarter car sales totaled 459,400 units, down 12% on year but up 4% versus the third quarter.
Fourth-quarter battery-electric car sales increased by 3% on year, mainly driven by the new electric CLA. Mercedes-Benz said that customer orders for the electric CLA and GLC are significantly above expectations, with the order bank filled until well into the second half of 2026.
In 2026, Mercedes-Benz plans to continue its product launch program, with major updates for the S-Class, GLE and GLS, the premiere of the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4 Door Coupe, electric C-Class and VLE, and the market introduction of new electric GLC and GLB.
Write to Dominic Chopping at dominic.chopping@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
01-12-26 0818ET
